Some have labeled Lando Norris’ errors during the 2024 F1 season as “mental weakness.” It is a label that former F1 driver Gerhard Berger does not agree with.
Gerhard Berger has stood up for Lando Norris regarding what some see as “mental weakness” from the McLaren racer.
The 65-year-old, who competed in F1 from 1984 to 1997, feels that the British driver’s blunders last year were simply the result of him not being “prepared” to contend with Max Verstappen for the F1 drivers’ title.
To emphasize his argument, the 10-time grand prix winner compared Norris to the Dutchman, showcasing a similar path that the Red Bull driver took as he developed into the powerhouse he is now.
Eventually finishing 63 points behind Verstappen last season, Berger indicated that McLaren’s ascent to the forefront of constructors’ titles arrived too late for Norris, who briefly considered a significant championship bid, yet never approached the 63-time grand prix champion.
Throughout the year, there were several instances where Norris failed to capitalize on chances, while Verstappen consistently amassed points with steady reliability, even though the RB20 was merely a shadow of its earlier models. It was the crucial element of his fourth consecutive drivers’ title.
In the meantime, Norris frequently discovered himself quickly falling into the grasp of those behind him, having qualified successfully. In his F1 career, during the initial seven instances he began from first place, he did not complete the first lap in the lead.
He ended that curse at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, racing to an easy win from pole position. However, lapses in focus nearly caused him to crash his MCL38 into the wall three distinct times at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Nonetheless, according to Berger, the opportunities lost and close calls from Norris will diminish over time as he develops into a driver able to engage in a prolonged title challenge.
“I don’t believe Norris was prepared for the championship in the battle against Verstappen,” the Austrian remarked to Auto Motor und Sport.
“Maybe McLaren and his vehicle formed a victorious team slightly too late.” Essentially, Norris is performing exceptionally well. He is a highly skilled driver.
Individuals attempt to view his errors as a sign of mental frailty. However, let’s review the past. Verstappen also committed errors in the initial stages. Over time, that diminished more and more. “That will occur similarly with Norris.”
